Bleeding Kansas: A Set of Old West Gunfight Rules
by Ken Van Pelt

I tend to be a fan of simple rule systems. I like rule sets that allow for me to play the garne and have a reasonable amount of success and opportunity to win. I detest rules that are so complex that the majoity of the game is spent flipping though the rule books and charts and victory or defeat can hinge on who know the rules the best.

Bleeding Kansas is a set of the first type: simple, effective and enjoyable. Bleeding Kansas is designed for recreating skirmish engagements (gunfights, rnarauders, vigilantes, etc.) from 1850 to 1890. The rules allow for use of any scale figures on a one to one ratio. Turn sequencing is done with a 1D10 initiative roll. Any weapon of the period can be used, from Bowie knives to shotguns. Movement is in paces (ie. in 54mm, 1 inch equals 1 pace) combined with figure stance (standing, kneeling or prone).

Taney County 1880

I had the opportunity to play Bleeding Kansas at the recent Free Con in Branson Missouri. The game was presented by the Lion Den's Wargaming Club from Kansas City, Missouri. We played with 54mm figures on a gorgeous table depicting Taney County, Missouri in 1880. The scenano pitted 13 baldnobbers (vigilantes) against 13 anti-baldknobbers.

The anti-baldknobbers were meeting in a cabin, discussing what to do about the baldknobbers. The baldknobbers were sneaking up on the cabin to learn the plans of their enemies, and to deal out appropriate justice. There were eight persons playing, six who had never played the rules before. On turn 4, one of the party in the cabin had to go outside to the outhouse creating the situation for detecting the incoming vigilantes. This met with no success, even with spending additional time at the well to wash hands.

Upon re-entering the cabin the baldknobbers attacked the cabin with assorted rifle and pistol fire. The group inside turned out the lamps and took up positions at the doors and windows and returned fire. After a dozen turns or so the game ended with ten casualties inflicted upon both sides for a draw. Everyone playing had a great time and the only dispute was about whether or not someone's figure was heard outside the cabin and this was resolved with a die roll.

For maximum enjoyment, the game requires a little role-playing, like describing where your figure is standing and what your figure is doping this turn. All information to play: movement chart, weapons chart, combat resolution chart, was contained on one page and was presented well. Unlike other western gunfight type rules, this set does allow for varying degrees of wounds and even cowering in a corner, unable to resume play. The rules do not include any scenarios and I found it to be a little light on weapons data.

Here is my 1 to 10 rating on the rules:

Playability: 9
Understandability: 8
Contents: 8
Look: 5
Charts: 8

For anyone interested in this time period ot looking for a good set of western gunfight rules, I would recommend Bleeding Kansas by Ken Van Pelt and is available from Lion's Den Wargaames, 1205 Allendale Drive, Greenwood, MO 64304 stock number LDW 060596 for $5.00.

Other Reviews:

Colonial Wars Sourcebook
Rules With No Name
Bleeding Kansas
ERTL Wild West Buildings

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